John Vincent: From Wrigley Field to Blue Island's Lyric Theater

John Vincent, known for his resonant performances as the resident anthem singer for the Chicago Cubs, returned to his beloved performance spot at Blue Island's Lyric Theater. This return marks a special moment for Vincent, a Chicago South Side native, as it was less than six months ago that he first graced the Lyric Theater stage.

A Favorite Venue for an Intimate Performance

Blue Island's Lyric Theater hosted 'An Evening with John Vincent' on January 5, 2024, offering a blend of storytelling and music that includes covers of iconic tunes from Louis Armstrong, Johnny Cash, and Frank Sinatra. Vincent shares both his life's highs and lows, aiming to uplift the audience with messages of kindness during the performance.

Background and Achievements

Before becoming the voice that energized Wrigley Field's crowds, Vincent faced bullying in childhood and has been open about his mental health struggles. His personal challenges, including his father's battle with Lewy body Parkinson's disease, have deeply impacted his family life. Despite these difficulties, Vincent finds solace and strength in connecting with his audience through music and storytelling.

His journey into the spotlight began unexpectedly at Ditka's restaurant, where a spontaneous audition for Diane Ditka turned into an immediate hiring and a longstanding friendship. The relationship he built with the Ditkas is akin to family, with Vincent regarding the coach and his wife as second parents.

This close-knit connection eventually led Vincent to become the go-to national anthem singer for the Chicago Cubs starting in 2003. His role expanded under the new team owner, Tom Ricketts, culminating in a memorable performance during the World Series—an event that not only thrilled fans but also earned Vincent accolades from superstar Lady Gaga.

Vincent's singing career has gone beyond baseball stadiums, including partnering with the Chicago Police Department for performances at nursing homes, traveling to Copenhagen to support Chicago's Olympic bid, and performing at prestigious venues like Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, the Pentagon, and even overseas.

Event Details for Fans

Those looking to experience Vincent's soulful performance firsthand can find event details below:

An Evening with John Vincent

When: 7:30 p.m. January 5, 2024

Where: The Lyric Theater, 12952 Western Ave., Blue Island

Tickets: $39.95 main floor; $34.95 reserved

The concert promises an evening filled with emotion, music, and the warmth of a seasoned performer who continues to share his talents and spread a message of kindness and resilience.

music, performance, anthem